Madden NFL 12 Release Date Pushed Back Three Weeks

EA Sports has announced that Madden NFL 12 will release on Tuesday August 30th. That represents a sharp move away from the anticipated second Tuesday in August that has become tradition for the franchise. Last week it was noted that retailers had removed the original August 9th date from product listings signaling that something was going on behind the scenes.

The new release means the game will arrive in stores much closer to the start of the regular season, if there is to be one. If the lockout continues to that point optimism may decrease meaning a bigger impact on those initial sales of Madden 12. For EA Sports however that will give NCAA Football 12 an additional three weeks in the clear to collect sales before Madden arrives.

It is unknown whether the release date shift is due to the labor strife the NFL is facing, the departure of key development team members, or a combination of both. As I reported on Twitter this morning, creative director Ian Cummings is one of the names on the way out.

damn this has been a crazy week madden is falling apart before our very eyes

VBJ

damn this has been a crazy week madden is falling apart before our very eyes

E_ROCK252

YES MUSIC TO MY EARS IAN IS GONE NOW LETS GET SOMEBODY IN THERE THAT IS NOT TRYING TO MAKE MADDEN A FAMILY GAME. MADDEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HARDCORE GAME AND SHOULD NOT BE WATERED DOWN WITH STUFF TO MAKE FOR A FAMILY TO PLAY.

E_ROCK252

YES MUSIC TO MY EARS IAN IS GONE NOW LETS GET SOMEBODY IN THERE THAT IS NOT TRYING TO MAKE MADDEN A FAMILY GAME. MADDEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A HARDCORE GAME AND SHOULD NOT BE WATERED DOWN WITH STUFF TO MAKE FOR A FAMILY TO PLAY.

Lonnie

am i the only one that liked madden? this is not good news for me,yes granted it “may” get better with new people running the show but it could get a lot worse also and being the only nfl game that is cause for concern..i just hope my fears are unfounded.

BecauseMaddenIsntSim

You, daley and some idiot who will die trying to convince people that the EA Sports engine isn’t shit in a paper bag bad are the only ones who liked Madden.

coolcam

and people like you are the problem in America. Someone has a different opinion than you and you feel the need to put them down.

Adelone_BP

no the majority still like the game or they wouldnt buy it every year. the people who dont like it are just way more vocal about it. im not saying the game is great by the way this is just the truth of the matter that most people dont care that much and enjoy it for what it is

Atlfan556

kept thinking that.they buy it becuz its the only nfl lisence game we do want fake teams

young d ware

Damn was looking forward to a month of madden cause i leave september for basic training.

The game still has to go “gold” 2 weeks to even over a month before release. Add in the testing period where they can’t make any changes other than some fixes, and you’re still looking at the game being “done” about two months before release. Changing the date wouldn’t affect that.

Guest

Then at the very least they could add in pictures in the updates, but aparently even something so simple as that is too much to ask.

Guest

Then at the very least they could add in pictures in the updates, but aparently even something so simple as that is too much to ask.

Yezurrrrrr

this is fine with me.. it gives me more opportunity to play the NCAA game.. usually I rush through as many seasons as I can in my Dynasty mode before Madden drops.. then I simulate seasons and use the rookies for Madden.. but now I get to play it more

and at the end of the day, this delay can’t do anything but make Madden even better.. I wonder if their blog schedule to release info about the game on different dates will change tho.. Pasta, you got any info on that? I was lookin forward to that Franchise update

No sorry, at this time I don’t know if there will be any changes to their marketing plan.

Yezurrrrrr

this is fine with me.. it gives me more opportunity to play the NCAA game.. usually I rush through as many seasons as I can in my Dynasty mode before Madden drops.. then I simulate seasons and use the rookies for Madden.. but now I get to play it more

and at the end of the day, this delay can’t do anything but make Madden even better.. I wonder if their blog schedule to release info about the game on different dates will change tho.. Pasta, you got any info on that? I was lookin forward to that Franchise update

Josh

Pasta if you ever find out why Ian decided to leave Tiburon, it would be appreciated if you could let us know. I think the loyal supporters of Madden have a right to know. For example, did he not agree with the direction that Madden was headed? Did he just get flat out tired of being the scape goat for all of Madden’s shortcummings (No Pun Intended)? It would just be nice to know what happened after all the years he put into Madden.

Well I don’t want to speak for individuals who have their own personal reasons I’m sure. They likely aren’t at liberty to even talk about it for a period of time or go into behind-the-scenes details. I do know that the new studio being created is helmed by a former Tiburon exec, believed to be Philip Holt, who has very good relationships with many of the Madden guys.

Ultimately it’s still a job, and there are many factors that may go into why someone leaves a job for a different opportunity.

forty six & 2

I think Ian Cummings is probably thrilled to be leaving. As you said, he’s going to a studio to work with and for a friend, he’ll probably be higher on the proverbial chain of command than he was at EA, perhaps make more money, and he won’t have to deal with the legions of ungrateful, spoiled, and ignorant Madden bashers that even stoop so low as to make fake posts using his name on various blogs and forums. More peace of mind, more control, and more money, who wouldn’t take that?

Koachvonner

Thats a great point. At the end of the day, you have to look out for what’s best for you and your family.

Daron Banks001

stfu he had a job too do and its obvious he FAILED! we are the ones who make them their money so i dont give a shit if he leaves so what change was needed in madden and you of all people along with pasta knew it was coming. so start ea dick riding! hopefully whom ever this new guy is gets the picture we are tired of wasting money on a piece of shit game that has had us in its palm of its hands since 1992!!!!! FAGBOT!

forty six & 2

Poor grammar, misused words, gratuitous profanity, and of course the homophobic slurs. Why should I or anyone else take what you say seriously? Stop being a stereotype. Find a way to piece together your opinion in a coherent manner that is not filled with hate and ignorance. It would do much more for you and your cause than this typical flaming that, by now, everyone is desensitized to and ultimately just tunes out.

Daron Banks001

how about this SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU PRICK! i can type how ever i feel jackass. now feel free to comment FAGBOT! any grammar mistakes? my opinion is not a stereotype buddy. i hate when you guys log on to forums boards and nit pick. bring facts to the game jackass. FACT-madden has failed, EA has failed, and that little fuck your defending has failed which is why he’s out.

forty six & 2

I’m going to ignore your childish behavior and instead deal with the last part of your post which is quoted below:

“FACT-madden has failed, EA has failed, and that little fuck your defending has failed which is why he’s out.”

Madden 11 sold over 5.5 million copies. That is a fact. You can find the figures at gamrreview. How is that failure?

Electronic Arts is one of 15 companies that has zero debt. On that list, EA is ranked sixth with 36.9% or their total assets being liquid. They are worth around $1.7 billion, roughly the same as the Dallas Cowboys right now. This is a fact. You can find the figures on CNBC and Forbes. How is this failure?

Ian Cummings is not being forced out. He’s leaving to pursue, to him, a better opportunity. Show me a press release from Ian or EA that says he has been fired, otherwise it’s not a fact he has been. How is leaving on your own accord for a job you’d rather have failure?

You state “facts” without any sort of evidence to back them up. They are not facts, they are your opinion. I state actual facts which can easily be verified that refute your opinions. My entire point in my previous post is that Madden haters like to talk loudly and as vulgar as possible instead of actually trying to get across their opinions in a calm, respectful manner that includes citations and other evidence. Saying someone sucks, or that they are a failure does not make them so no matter if you use profanity and caps lock or not. Brings some actual information to the table and people might begin to take you seriously. Or don’t and continue to be a stereotype that is tuned out by those with a clue. Your choice.

Daron Banks001

of course numbers are going too look like that jackass when their practically the only sports video game company in the world you dumb fuck! now run along and fiinsh your cock sucking contest with phil frazier its obvious that you work for them

Lord Paladin

points spot on forty 6.. darren just shut the hell up your only conviencing everyone your a homophobe moron everytime you open your mouth….

Lord Paladin

points spot on forty 6.. darren just shut the hell up your only conviencing everyone your a homophobe moron everytime you open your mouth….

LOL social gaming! what the fuck is that? oh you mean those little gay ass app games that you play on facebook? like the madden shit they released that never even had a chance lol pasta my friend you are to obvious. this is not nintendo wii buddy we are all hardcore 360 and ps3 gamers. sometimes i wonder do you sit down and take a piss cuz the ea guys are butt tagging you on their facebook post lol

I think this is mainly an attempt to release closer to the start of the season in hopes that the excitement of the new season will draw consumers in.

Lake Allen

That might make sense if we knew there was going to be a season for sure. If there isnt a season then they’ve lost precious sales time where consumers still had hope that things would be resolved without losing games.

Harlem

I’m hoping they keep the podcast dates. I think one is scheduled for later this month.

Anonymous

All this stuff amounts to nothing. Madden will be MAdden….

Harlem

I’m hoping they keep the podcast dates. I think one is scheduled for later this month.

Charleslarseniv

All im saying is ian was more of a soccer fan anyways, and no soccer fan of any nature should be in charge of madden.

Ian S. Cummings

WELL, SIR IAN CUMMINGS HERE FOR THE LAST TIME. YOU GOT YOUR WISH YOU LITTLE BRATS! OK SO I’M SORRY I DIDN’T ADDRESS THE ISSUE PATCH AFTER PATCH ON ASSISTED TACKLES NOT ADDING UP ON FRANCHISE MODE, SACKS NOT BEING PROPERLY CALCULATED IN STATS EACH GAME. I’M SORRY ABOUT NOT ADDRESSING ROBO QB. I’M SORRY FOR NOT ADDRESSING THE TUMBLEWEED TACKLING. I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY FOR NOT ADDRESSING THE FRANCHISE MODE AND ONLY FOCUSING ON THE ONLINE BECAUSE I FELL FOR THE HYPE. I’M SORRY I NEVER REALIZED THAT TRUE MADDENITES ARE FRANCHISE PLAYERS. I’M SORRY YOU GUYS FOR GRANTED! I’M SORRY FOR BRINGING YOU GUYS A GAME THAT NEVER LOOKED LIKE WHAT IT SUPPOSED TO LOOK IN 06 DURING WHEN EA DUPED YOU GUYS IN THE INFAMOUS CGI COMMERCIAL SHOWING A STATE OF THE ART LOOKING DONOVAN MCNABB THROWING A TOUCHDOWN WITH THE CROWD ALL DIFFERENT LOOKING GOING WILD. I’M SORRY.

MOST OF ALL, I’M SORRY FOR BANNING PEOPLE OFF MY TWITTER OVER LITTLE STUFF. SIR IAN CUMMINGS AND GOING FOR THE LAST TIME. SIGNING OFF 🙁

DavidBowie

Ain’t karma a bitch, EA?

toodles

OperationSports

What?! THIS IS HORRIBLE!

I CAN’T LEARN TO SUCK A NEW DICK NOW! IT TOOK ME FOREVER JUST TO LEARN HOW TO SUCKLE THAT SWEET SWEET MR CUMMINGS
ALL THOSE FUCKING BANS, THE DELETED POST, THE DELETED THREADS, ALL FOR NOTHING! HOW CAN I SUCK ANOTHER DICK AND NOT THINK “WILL IT STILL BE IN MY MOUTH TOMORROW?” I DID WHATEVER YOU WANTED IAN! THE PREMATURE RELEASES, THE LIES, THE PAYMENTS, I DEALT WITH IT ALL AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?! YOU JUST TAKE YOUR DICK OUT MY MOUTH AND RUN?!

OperationSports

What?! THIS IS HORRIBLE!

I CAN’T LEARN TO SUCK A NEW DICK NOW! IT TOOK ME FOREVER JUST TO LEARN HOW TO SUCKLE THAT SWEET SWEET MR CUMMINGS
ALL THOSE FUCKING BANS, THE DELETED POST, THE DELETED THREADS, ALL FOR NOTHING! HOW CAN I SUCK ANOTHER DICK AND NOT THINK “WILL IT STILL BE IN MY MOUTH TOMORROW?” I DID WHATEVER YOU WANTED IAN! THE PREMATURE RELEASES, THE LIES, THE PAYMENTS, I DEALT WITH IT ALL AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?! YOU JUST TAKE YOUR DICK OUT MY MOUTH AND RUN?!

TRUTH MAY COME

NAH NAH NAH NAH, NAH NAH NAH NAH, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD FUCKING BYE IAN CUMMINGS… YOU WILL NOT BE MISSED… THATS WRITTEN IN STONE!! WHAT A SIGH OF RELIEF… I HOPE MADDEN GOES THROUGH THE ROOF NOW… I WILL LOVE TO SAY THAT I PLAY MADDEN PROUDLY… PLEASE GOD LET THE RIGHT PPL GET THEIR HANDS ON THIS GAME AND MAKE THIS DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH SHINE SHINE SHINE…

Lonnie

EA is going to have three new sports games and one of them is going to be a football game different from madden and ncaa…gameinformer..

SharpVec

It will probably be an Arcade game.. which I wouldn’t care about one bit.

I for one am glad Ian Cummings is leaving. He seems like such a whiny little man. Trying to be all cool with his guitars and telling everyone how much time he works on this or that. He obviously doesn’t have the mental or testicular fortitude to do the job and not take the comments personally. Hopefully this means a better series with better fan interaction and not the ‘my way or the highway’ attitude he has displayed in the past.

Ghost of John Madden

Good news – three more weeks to try to make Madden less crappy

Jaob

and then either back to the same dev time for the next year or even three weeks less. its not going to matter

JOHN MADDEN: HEY GUYS… I JUST PLAYED MY GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS.. AND.. ALL I GOTTA SAY IS…. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!!??… ITS LIKE ITS FOURTH AND 26 AND WERE RUNNING THE BALL… MAN THE GAME I MADE ON APPLE 2 OVER 20 YEARS AGO IS BETTER THAN THIS SH***.. THE ONLY THING THIS DISC IS GOOD FOR IS THROWING AT THE PPL WHO MADE IT… LAST NIGHT I USED THE BOOKLET TO WIPE MY ASS.. TAKE MY NAME OFF THIS SH*T NOW…….BOOM!

Hey a little extra development time can’t hurt. I wonder if they keep the new date or if it’s just for this year? I read that Ian got brought in because they wanted to implement Head Coach features into franchise mode, so maybe thats not happening anymore. Hopefully we get some reasoning behind these departures.